EP.WE.593Cardiovascular risk modification in patients admitted for vascular surgical intervention

Management of cardiovascular risk is fundamental for patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis to reduce both medium and long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. All patients admitted for operative vascular intervention with atherosclerotic arterial disease should be prescribed appropriate secondary prevention. Methods This was a single-cycle retrospective audit in a patient population undergoing operative intervention for symptomatic atherosclerotic arterial disease in a single regional vascular unit in June 2020. Episodes of care were examined for the prescription of an antiplatelet agent and statin. Results There were 81 procedures identified. The majority of patients were male and the mean age was 63-years. A diagnosis of diabetes was common. Antiplatelet agents were only prescribed to 48 (59%) and statins to 61 (75%). There was no clear pattern that could be defined between elective and emergency admissions [antiplatelet prescription 24 (71%) and 23 (49%); statin prescription 27 (79%) and 34 (72%)], or arterial reconstruction and major limb amputation [antiplatelet prescription 28 (76%) and 19 (45%); statin prescription 31 (84%) and 28 (67%)]. Conclusion It is a concern that a significant proportion of patients did not have antiplatelet and/or statin therapy prescribed. This implies failure of both primary and secondary care. In secondary care the medicines reconciliation process should be augmented with regular review of the prescription.